Strudwick appointed Head of Performance by Wales

TONY STRUDWICK, Manchester United’s long-standing Head of Performance and one of the leading figures in sport science in this country, has joined Ryan Giggs' Wales backroom staff.

The appointment is a major coup for Giggs, who was appointed Wales boss in January. Strudwick has worked with United since 2007 and was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s inner circle at the club.

He is currently serving his notice period at Old Trafford and will leave his role at the end of the season. Since 2014, Strudwick's main focus has been the club’s Academy.

United are yet to comment on his departure, but Rene Meulensteen, who worked alongside Strudwick as first-team coach from 2007 to 2013, paid tribute to his work at the club.

“Tony was instrumental to the success we achieved during that period and deserves a huge amount of credit," Meulensteen told TGG.

“He is a top, top professional and one of the best in his field in the world. As anyone who knows him will tell you, he is also a great person and helped achieve the great harmony we had as a staff under Sir Alex.”

Osian Roberts, Tony Roberts and Albert Stuivenberg have been confirmed as the other members of Giggs’ backroom team.

Strudwick, who has been a practitioner for more than 20 years and has also worked with England, has a close relationship with Giggs, having been alongside him when he was both a player and coach at Old Trafford.

He replaces Wales' previous Head of Performance Ryland Morgans, who was released last month and now works full-time with Everton.

Last month, Morgans told TGG: “It’s a shame the way things have ended, but I’m proud of what we achieved as a group under Gary (Speed) and Chris (Coleman). I enjoyed working with a great staff and great players.”

Head of fitness Carlos Lalin, a long-time associate of Jose Mourinho, now leads the physical preparation of Manchester United’s first team.

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